Wednesday, May 18, 2016

I Don't Really Have A Title

I think I maybe, just may be, am thinking about, considering, believing I may be able to start blogging again.

The main reason is this:

I FINISHED RENEWING MY TEACHING LICENSE. This has been no small feat for an unemployed teacher who has been at home for 7 years. It was blood, sweat, tears, and a lot of my own money. And really, it took up any time I had to sit down at the computer.

*Side note 1: I was going to include a picture of the certificate here. But I honestly have no idea how to blur out all the personal information. And don't want to take the time to figure it out.

*Side note 2: I have no immediate plans to return to teaching, but have worked too hard passing all those licensure tests in Texas, South Carolina and then Virginia to give up my certification. You will have to pry it from my cold, dead hands.

So here we are. (Let's not think about the fact that I have to do it again in 5 years) (And especially not think about the fact that G will be 12 the next time I do this).

Honestly, I'm not sure where to start. Except one story about Joshua comes immediately to mind.

His spontaneous speech has continued to improve and he routinely uses words to request things he wants: juice, cracker, chips, bar, open and....shower. He LOVES to take showers. At times it's even his coping mechanism. If he's playing the iPad and it runs out of battery he'll cry for a minute and then walk straight to the shower.

The other night I was upstairs getting ready to go to our church's evening service. He came in the room, looked me straight in the eye and in his growly little deep voice said, "Shower."

Me: Not right now sweetie, we're about to go to church.
Joshua: (still looking deeply in my eyes) Shower.
Me: Joshua, we're going to church. No shower.
Joshua: Shower.
Me: All done with shower. After church.
Joshua: Shower.
Me:OK. Shower. But real quick!!!

At speech therapy the other day.

It's hard to find the right balance of affirming/rewarding his communication and saying no, because we don't have time to take a shower or he's already had 50 chips or 5 cookies. But we're so proud of him.

Baby (Toddler) A is quite the hoot these days! She's even been trying to sneak in the word "Mom" here and there. I keep telling her I only answer to "Mommy" or "Mama".

The winter was not as long nor as dark for our family (or DC) as it has been the last 2 years, so that was such a relief. However, I feel that "Spring" is getting us back with its wet and cold. At least it's beautiful outside and we can slip out for walks and the playground here and there.

I picked up a free double jogging stroller with huge wheels on the side of the road the other night. We have one already, but Joshua is WAY too heavy to push up hills; the wheels just aren't big enough. But with my current love of walking, it's nice to be able to take the 2 littles out with me. Bonus: Joshua has to spend time sitting really close to Baby A, so it's like tolerance therapy!

The other major happening around here is that we are gearing up for our dear Stephensons to leave us. They head back overseas this summer and it will be a huge change for all of us. I try not to think about it too often because it makes me ill. It will be a new era for sure. (Also, I'm going to have to start cooking for my family again Every. Single. Night. What is up with that?!)

So that's it. I always have trouble ending these things, so I may try a new strategy:

1 comment:

Yeah for you for renewing your license! I have to get on that!!! Also, can I tell you how much I admire your grace with Joshua? You are the best possible momma for him and I love that he is making such huge strides. Would love to meet up for coffee at some point!